1. What Is %CV?

The coefficient of variation (%CV) is a standardized measure of dispersion of a probability distribution. It shows the extent of variability in relation to the mean of the population.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the %CV formula:

Where:

• \( SD \) — Standard deviation
• \( Average \) — Mean value

Explanation: The %CV expresses the standard deviation as a percentage of the average, allowing comparison between datasets with different units or means.

3. Importance Of %CV Calculation

Details: %CV is widely used in analytical chemistry, quality control, and laboratory medicine to assess precision and reproducibility of measurements.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter standard deviation and average values in the same units. The average must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good %CV value?
A: In analytical chemistry, %CV < 5% is generally considered excellent, while < 10% is acceptable for many applications.

Q2: How is %CV different from standard deviation?
A: While SD measures absolute variability, %CV measures relative variability, making it useful for comparing datasets with different means.

Q3: When should I use %CV instead of SD?
A: Use %CV when you need to compare variability across datasets with different means or units of measurement.

Q4: Can %CV be negative?
A: No, %CV is always non-negative since both SD and average are non-negative values (with average > 0).

Q5: What are limitations of %CV?
A: %CV becomes less meaningful when the mean is close to zero, and it shouldn't be used for interval scale data with a true zero point.